Women's Skiing 2002-2003 Season Outlook

Jan 03, 2003

Jan. 3, 2003

Fueled by numerous national accolades in 2001-2002, Brown Skiing gears towards capturing national titles in 2002-2003.

In 2001-2002, The Brown University Women's Ski Team crushed every standing record in the program's history. Pre-season coaches polls placed Brown 7th in the nation, a ranking which proved to underestimate the talent of the team. "We had tremendous leadership and talented skiers. When you combine those, our team was easily able to soar to new heights," stated head coach Karen Finocchio. In regular season competition, the Bears established themselves as the team to beat. Just by a mere 0.2 seconds, the Bears stopped the Boston College Eagles undefeated streak by repeating their home carnival victory.

At the conclusion of the regular season, Brown dominated the scoreboard. Topping the individual competition, Doria DiBona '03 (Kensington, NH) and Elizabeth DiBona '02 (Kensington, NH) placed 5th and 6th respectively. Molly Sheinberg '04 (Woodcliff Lake, NJ) posted an impressive individual 15th place adding to the 2nd overall team finish in the MacConnell division. As Brown moved into post-season events, the Bears targeted the ECSC Regional victory. Securing 2nd in giant slalom and 3rd in slalom, the Bears tied UMASS-Amherst for 2nd place along with a forth-consecutive trip to USCSA Nationals.

The Bears continued their success at the USCSA 2002 Nationals, establishing themselves as one of the leading teams nationally. With a 4th in giant slalom and 4th in slalom, the Bears turned many previous blind-eyes. As individual and team awards were tallied, Brown dominated the scoreboard; two Slalom All-Americans, one Giant Slalom All-American, two Combined All-Americans, five Academic All-Americans and five Academic All-Ivy. "To hear Brown repeatedly mentioned in the awards ceremony was a remarkable experience," stated Finocchio. "It was the culmination of their athletic and academic efforts recognized on the national level. To hear the Bears' complete list of awards was truly awe-inspiring not only for the coaches and parents, but most importantly for the athletes." The Bears were finally a skiing powerhouse.

For 2002-2003, the Bears come in with strength and depth. Led by senior captain and three-time All-American Doria DiBona '03 (Kensington, NH), the Bears squad returns three of its top five skiers. Adrienne Jones '03 (Bristol, VT) who will lead the Bears in slalom remains a strong contender for regional and national championship titles for this season. Strong giant slalom performances came from Molly Sheinberg '04 (Woodcliff Lake, NJ) in 2001-2002. Sheinberg proved at the 2002 Nationals that she is one to watch in giant slalom. Julia Rogawski '04 (New York, NY) joins her fellow classmate, Sheinberg, as a strong contributor to the carnival squad. This fall, the Bears welcomed new squad members Stephanie Breakstone '06 (Sparta, NY), Casey Schwarz '06 (Portsmouth, NH), Caitlin Stanton '06 (Hanover, NH) and Hilary Swaffield '06 (Wolfeboro, NH). The depth that this new youth gives to the Bears will certainly prove essential when it comes to post-season events.

The Bears are gearing up for the 2003 USCSA Nationals hosted at Northstar-at-Tahoe, Truckee, CA. "I feel privileged to be working with this extraordinary women's team," stated Finocchio. "It is the first time in the program's history that team has the depth to win a national title, the talent and leadership on this squad will take them to a new era of women's skiing at Brown. I am excited for these athletes to see just how talented they are." For the 2002-2003 season the Brown Ski Team is striving towards their first sweep: divisional, regional and national titles.